Home sales also increased by 5.8% as the outdoor living category enjoyed an exceptionally strong week with sales climbing by 285%.

Meanwhile, electricals and home technology sales edged up 0.1% helped by an 11.8% rise in small electrical sales.

Looking at the shops, the stores achieving the biggest percentage increases on last year included Croydon, Stratford City and Exeter.

Barry Matheson, director of retail services at John Lewis, said: “Reflecting relative stability of growth in recent weeks against last year, week three saw total sales up 3.5%. This growth was rooted in a strong online performance which was up 16.7% year-on-year.

“With winter on the way out, our increased focus turns to spring and we look forward to welcoming refreshed seasonal trade.”

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